The health hazards of Asbestos are hidden and can lurk at us at many places, even in where we should feel and be safe – in our home. Even though those that work in the construction industry are considered to be the most vulnerable to asbestos exposure, you need to keep in mind that even limited exposure to asbestos can create health problems. So even a simple renovation project could be high-risk and have long-term negative impact.
What is asbestos?
This is actually a term which is used to describe a group of natural minerals. There are many different types and together, they can resist both heat and corrosion. Because of their incredible resistant properties, they were used in the construction industry of not only homes but also commercial buildings.
Where can you find asbestos?
There were many products used in the construction industry that contained asbestos. Asbestos was also used in the car industry as well. Now even though there are significant health hazards of asbestos exposure, it is still somewhat in use, especially in the US or Canada. In your home, asbestos can be found in:
- Support beams (in the spray coating)
- Attic insulation
- Roof shingles
- Drywall and drywall glue
- Insulation of pipes and so on
Why are health hazards of asbestos so important?
We already stated that exposure to asbestos can cause severe health problems, most commonly lung cancer or mesothelioma. However, just by living in a property that contains asbestos in its structure, will not cause health problems.
The highest risk is present when you do some home renovation or repairs and the small asbestos crystals or fibers get airborne and you get into contact with them (inhale them). So before you do any kind of repairs or renovations on your home, where you know you have asbestos, you need to make sure that:
- You use hand tools instead of power tools
- Wear the appropriate protective equipment (mask) designed to protect you from asbestos exposure
- Cleaning should be done with a vacuum cleaner, not broom. Broom can make the particles airborne
- If there’s any waste, make sure that you put it in a heavy-duty bag and seal it properly
However, if you’re not 100% sure whether your home contains asbestos, we strongly recommend that you conduct thorough asbestos testing in order to be sure. This kind of testing is done by skilled and experienced technicians at ASAP Restoration 24/7 so don’t hesitate to contact us.
